SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 3 March | April 2020 A s one of the biggest aerotow competitions in Australia, event organiser, Bruce Crerar said Dalby Big Air was solely about offering pilots a relaxed, fun, yet exciting event, that highlighted the best of our sport in the picturesque region of country Queensland. “This is a more relaxed competition because it’s at the end of the thermal season, the flying is technical and a little less of a marathon,” he said. “The event is held from 5 to 11 April, when the thermals are lighter, but there is still that higher degree of difficulty due to the technical tasks. Yet, it’s about fun and enjoyment as much as about com- petition. Previous years have shown that our pilots come back each day fresh, rather than exhausted. Competition Director, Annie, and myself have always believed AA comps have a better vibe and a greater sense of camaraderie. We have long resisted those who wish to push us to AAA.” The Dalby Big Air is renowned for its ideal soaring conditions, smooth thermals, and excel- lent road network that facilitates easy retrieves. Situated in the country town of Dalby, the central hub of a vast cotton and sorghum growing district, the competition is about introducing as many pilots to the excellent flying conditions and spectacular region, as well as supporting novice and intermedi- ate pilots to ensure the longevity of the sport. Running for more than 20 years, the competi- tion continues to soar in popularity, drawing both national and international competitors. Focusing on out and returns when possible, this is the last competition of the thermal season, therefore is more about racing and short tasks. “We want this competition to be about keeping us old guys flying while hoping the younger genera- tion realise there is more fun and reward in airspace than cyber space,” said Bruce. “I think all the converted agree, flying is a good way to restore your Hard Drive. April is a great time to fly in the Western Downs. Being a relaxed event, our pilots walk away having made new friends, while enjoying a competition that is both challenging and fun.” The competition will be hosted by the Dalby Hang Gliding Club which has a hangar at the Dalby Airport. “All our tug pilots are experienced with most having towed at World Championships, and are dedicated to keep you as safe as possible, so you can enjoy the flying in this beautiful part of the world,” said Bruce. The Dalby Hang Gliding Club co-exists with the Dalby Airport alongside many commercial crop spraying operators and the light aircraft commu- nity with whom they have strived to foster a good working relationship, using good communication and airmanship procedures. For more information on the Dalby Big Air Visit, [dalbybigair.com] and register at [http://dalbybi- gair.com/register] . Promoting the fun and camaraderie of hang gliding in Australia Forms and Documents SAFA Documents are now available in the Member Zone of the SAFA website [safa.asn.au] . To access them select and then select ‘Documents’ in the left-hand menu. These documents are constantly being updated, so download them as you need them. DO NOT save them for later use. The office will not accept outdated forms. Documents available to the general public are accessible on the website under: ‘Pilot Tools’  ‘Forms & Docs’ Visiting Pilot Membership Those pilots requiring a Visiting Pilot Membership please go to [safa.asn.au] and select: SAFA Office Manager Dalby Big Air – a world-class hang gliding competition will soar through the skies over the Western Downs in Queensland, with a key focus on keeping our core pilots flying longer as we get older, promoting our sport, and attempting to attract the younger generation to this thrilling flying discipline.